The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Robert Ewa, has passed away just hours after attending a state executive council meeting in Calabar. His death was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nsa Gill, who described the news as shocking and unexpected.
According to Gill, Ewa was present at the Wednesday executive council meeting chaired by Governor Bassey Otu, where he actively contributed to discussions. However, shortly after making his input, he excused himself from the meeting and left the venue.
“Ewa was very much present at the exco meeting. He even contributed during one of the presentations,” Gill told journalists. “A few minutes later, he quietly left, and we assumed he was stepping out for a brief moment.”
Unbeknownst to his colleagues, Ewa had reportedly felt unwell and asked his driver to take him to a nearby clinic. He was taken to Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, where he eventually passed away on Wednesday evening.
“It was only after he left that we received a call from the hospital, informing us that he had passed on,” Gill added.
Governor Bassey Otu was said to have received the news with great shock. The government has promised to release an official statement on Ewa’s passing in the coming hours.
Ewa was a well-known figure in Cross River politics, having served in various capacities over the years. His political career included stints as Secretary and later Chairman of Boki Local Government Council. He also held the position of Special Adviser on Community Relations and served as Secretary of the state’s Anti-Deforestation Task Force, a key role in the government’s efforts to protect the environment.
Ewa’s sudden death has left many in the state in mourning, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and political associates. His contributions to tourism and community development in Cross River are being remembered fondly by those who worked with him.
The cause of his death has not yet been officially confirmed, but the state government has assured the public that details will be provided as soon as they are available.
